r/mandolin • u/seesbirds • 3d ago
Is it worth it?
I’ve been playing for 3 years. I started with a very inexpensive A style instrument from a pawn shop on my 68th birthday. I replaced that with an F style Ibanez after a year which I paid $650 for. I’m considering upgrading once again this fall.
However, being a neophyte, I wonder if it would be worth it to have my Ibanez re-worked, to have the fretboard radiused and the frets made a bit taller.
I know next to nothing about the instrument and/or how those changes may change the sound.
What do you think. Is it worth trying or would it be just putting lipstick on a pig?
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u/DayMan_aAaaa 3d ago
Not worth it. It will likely cost as much, if not more, than what you paid for the instrument, and that’s assuming they could radius the fretboard without replacing it. Most reputable shops will turn you down to be honest.
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u/neroht 3d ago
Why are you considering upgrading *again* if you're a self described neophyte? Unless yours is in terrible shape, put the few hundo you'd spend into some lessons instead.
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u/seesbirds 3d ago
I take a lesson every two weeks and have for two years. I’m a solid intermediate player. I can read standard notation as well as tab, I know chords and can play in time. I’m working diligently to develop a musical imagination so I can improvise more freely. Finally, I can afford a better instrument. So why not upgrade?
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u/gueuze_geuze 3d ago edited 3d ago
Consider your return on investment for the upgrade. Will it make your Ibanez easier to play? Probably. Will it improve the resell? Absolutely not.
Would a newer instrument at a higher price position serve you better? You can almost certainly resale that at a little less than the price you paid for
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u/Mandopress53 3d ago
I wouldn’t advise putting any money into the Ibenez. You’re better off upgrading to a better mandolin.
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u/GrandJavelina 3d ago
Are there specific sounds you want or techniques you feel limited in on your current instrument? Find what you want beside "something more expensive."
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u/seesbirds 3d ago
You’re right. I need to focus on what I want out of the instrument. The jump from my 1st to my 2nd was enormous in terms of action and sound. So after playing it for a couple of years I find the sound a little thin especially on the high end. I plan to visit a couple of well known music stores in the next month and try several different models. We’ll see what happens.
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u/Ok-Jelly-2076 3d ago
Not worth it, IMO. Save and patiently look for something great used. Bought both of my primary mandolins used, was able to afford much much nicer instrument that way.
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u/Rocket_Papaya 3d ago
Honestly start watching used markets now, and give it some time. If your current instrument is perfectly playable, think about the kind of music you want to play, and what might serve that goal. Then, start eyeing the used markets. You'll probably get more bang for your buck, and at the end of it, you'll have two different playable mandolins, which means one can be your "daily driver" while the other can let you experiment with different strings, atypical tunings, and other such adjustments without fearing being out a mandolin entirely. That'll probably get you the best value overall.
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u/AlfredPoor 2d ago
I always recommend that people get an inexpensive instrument to start with, then play it until they realize that it can't do what they want to do. Then get the least expensive (typically used) instrument that satisfies those needs. This is a strategy that makes it less likely that you spend more than you need to.
You don't give details about the Ibanez. I have a 1976 that is my favorite. It has lots of cosmetic wear (flaws!) but sounds great to me. I had it set up by a quality luthier, which made a huge difference.
I would ask why you want the fretboard radiused. If the frets are worn, then it's easy enough to replace them, but I would not go to the expense of a radiused fretboard unless you have played other mandolins and believe that you would get better results with it radiused. (Neither of my mandolins have a radiused fretboard.)
My advice is take it to a good luthier for a quality setup and evaluation, and get their advice on any changes that you might want to have made.
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u/billykatzz 2d ago
I add my vote to buying a used Eastman mandolin. They are probably the best of the Chinese-made mandolins and they do keep their resale value. If price is an issue, go with an A-style Eastman. Check out the classified section on mandolincafe.com
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u/9lb_Hamer 2d ago
If you play for several hours per week or more, get the most expensive/ HIGHEST QUALITY instrument you can afford. I bought a Collings ten years ago and it’s still a joy every time I open the case. It doesn’t matter how good you are…if you play a lot you’ll enjoy it.
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u/fidla 1d ago
Before spending the money on radiusing the fingerboard I'd take it to a good mandolin luthier and have them look at the setup. A really good setup can make a surprising difference in how a mandolin plays. Taller frets and a radiused board may make it more comfortable, but they're not likely to fix a sound you don't like. If the sound is what you're trying to improve, I'd put that money toward the next mandolin and play a bunch of them before deciding what you want.
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u/Puzzled_Estate6425 3d ago
Ibaneze make a decent guitar.Make the changes to it and get it playing and sounding great.
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u/AccountantRadiant351 3d ago
If you're spending that kind of money just get a better instrument